Father Tragedy ‘quietly Spoken’ Vicar, 60, Died after ‘setting Himself on Fire at His Village Recotory

By Guy Birchall
The Sun
July 30, 2017

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/4130514/quietly-spoken-vicar-60-died-after-setting-himself-on-fire-at-his-village-recotory/

A SENIOR vicar in the Church of England who was under investigation by police has died after reportedly ‘setting fire to himself’.

The Rev Martyn Neale was found dead at his village rectory in Hawley, Hampshire on Tuesday.

Rev Martyn Neale died after allegedly setting fire to himself at his rectory in Hampshire

Pals described the 60-year-old General Synod member as a “quietly spoken but caring” clergyman who had worked in the village for 20 years.

The Mail on Sunday reports that the Diocese of Guildford said that Rev Neale had been suspended “as a consequence of an ongoing police investigation”.

Earlier this year he became a part of the C of E’s legislative body, the General Synod, attending his first meeting in York.

He was a prominent member of the traditionalist group Forward in Faith which opposes female priests.

Two weeks ago the congregation at Holy Trinity was told he had been suspended pending a police inquiry but no further information was given.

The diocese said: “We were very sorry to be informed by police of the death of a man at the rectory in Hawley, believed to be Father Martyn Neale.”

Hampshire cops said the death was not being treated as suspicious and a file for the coroner was being prepared.

Pals described the 60-year-old General Synod member as a ‘quietly spoken but caring’ clergyman